First Ministers Pledges North East Infrastructure Funding

Nicola Sturgeon has pledged to continue investing in infrastructure in the north east of the country as she prepares to complete her tour of Scotland with a speech in Aberdeen. Before becoming First Minister, Ms Sturgeon announced she would hold a series of rallies and meetings across the country to outline her plans for government and speak to new SNP members. It started on October 29 in Edinburgh and included an event at Glasgow's SSE Hydro last month. The SNP said Ms Sturgeon has addressed more than 18,000 in six towns and cities during the tour. The final date today in Aberdeen's Music Hall will focus on planned investment for the north east. Funding for transport links and support for small businesses are to be highlighted by the First Minister. Speaking ahead of the event, Ms Sturgeon said: "As First Minister I am determined to lead a government for all of Scotland - and I am delighted to be making my first visit to the north east just over two weeks after becoming leader. "For me, one of the most positive aspects of the referendum campaign was talking to thousands of people at town hall events across the country. I want to keep that conversation going - and that is why I have pledged to be the most accessible First Minister ever, with regular town hall events and online Q&As. "As our energy capital, Aberdeen is an absolutely vital part of Scotland's economy. I want to see Aberdeen and the north east thrive. "Improving infrastructure is a key part of that. This year's budget contained further funding for the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route, and we are also committed to improving the Inverness to Aberdeen railway line. This will see journey times cut to around two hours between the two cities. "Since 2008, small businesses in Aberdeen have received "25.4 million through the SNP Government's Small Business Bonus scheme. As at September this year, 2,045 small businesses in Aberdeen were receiving support.'' Ms Sturgeon added that the council tax freeze has benefited homeowners in the city. "The average Band D home in Aberdeen will be around #1,800 better off by 2016 as a result of our council tax freeze,'' she said. "This is in stark contrast to when Labour were in power and council tax increased by 73%. "And through our social wage with the people of Scotland, families in the north east are benefiting from free prescriptions, free school meals, a commitment to the living wage for all public sector workers under Scottish Government pay policy and the roll out of 600 hours of free childcare for all three, four and vulnerable two-year-olds. "This important investment in the future of the north east will continue as long as I am First Minister - and the Scottish Government will continue to provide the support needed to enable this to happen.''